Chair bag

ABSTRACT

A bag is disclosed. The present invention provides an easy and convenient way to transport a folding lawn chair, with or without an umbrella. It is a bag that opens butterfly style, allowing users to place the folded chair on the bag and then to fasten the bag around the chair. This manipulation alleviates the struggle associated with shimmying a folded chair into a standard carrying bag. It also saves a considerable amount of time and frustration. The present invention can include an umbrella holder on the side in case of inclement weather and a shoulder strap for added convenience.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/590,954 filed Nov. 27, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of bags and more specifically relates to bags for bulky objects.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Many people bring their lawn chairs to sporting events and other outdoor gatherings. These chairs are typically stored and transported in a sleeve. Unfortunately, it can be a struggle for people to get these chairs back into the sleeve after the event or gathering. People may even end up tearing or ripping the sleeve. Additionally, people may not always think to carry an umbrella with them when attending such events.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,981 to William Gax relates to a folding chair backpack. The described folding chair backpack includes a pack for carrying folding chairs has shoulder straps to allow the transport of folding chairs upon the back and shoulders of a person. The chairs are secured in an enveloping structure which size is adjustable to accommodate different sizes and numbers of chairs. This adjustability is accomplished with straps and adjustable fasteners. The bottom of the enveloping structure can be solid allowing long slender objects such as fishing poles or sun umbrellas to be supported and carried along with the folding chairs. A pocket can be attached to the back of the folding chair backpack to enable the transport of other items in addition to the folding chairs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Given the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known bag art, the present disclosure provides a novel chair bag. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an easy and convenient way to transport a folding lawn chair and umbrella. The device is a bag that opens butterfly style, allowing users to place the folded chair on the bag and then fasten the bag around the chair. This manipulation alleviates the struggle associated with shimmying a folded chair into a standard carrying bag. It also saves a considerable amount of time and frustration. The present invention can include an umbrella holder on the side in case of inclement weather and a shoulder strap for added convenience.

A bag is disclosed. The bag includes a top region that may have a closure and a bottom edge, a bottom region that may have a bottom end, sides, and a top edge; and an intermediate region connecting the bottom region and the top region wherein the intermediate region comprises a first edge and a second edge defining an opening that begins at the top edge and extends toward the closure. In an open configuration, the first edge may be spaced apart from the second edge, the closure may be open or loose, and the top region and intermediate region may be substantially flat. In a closed configuration, the first edge may be adjacent to the second edge; the closure may be closed or tight; and the top region, the intermediate region, and the bottom region may form a sheath that may be closed at the bottom end, closed at the closure, and configured to contain a bulky object.

A method of using the bag is also disclosed. The method of using bag may comprise the steps of a providing a bag; unzipping the bag into an open configuration; placing a bulky object onto the bag; closing the bag around the bulky object into the closed configuration; zipping the bag to maintain the closed configuration; and lifting the bag using a carrying strap. In some embodiments, the bulky object is a folding chair or folding outdoor chair.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved by any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood by reviewing the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a Chair Bag, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag according to the disclosure in an ‘in-use’ condition.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag according to the disclosure in.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag according to the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another bag according to the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will from now on be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bag and more particularly to a chair bag as used to improve the bags for chairs or other bulky objects.

Generally, the present invention provides an easy and convenient way to transport a folding lawn chair and umbrella. The bag opens butterfly style, allowing users to place the folded chair on the bag and then fasten the bag around the chair. This opening style alleviates the struggle associated with shimmying a folded chair into a standard carrying bag and further saves a considerable amount of time and frustration. The present invention includes an umbrella holder on the side in case of inclement weather and a shoulder strap for added convenience. The Sideliner offers a convenient and stylish solution for storing and transporting lawn chairs to any outdoor event. This innovative product may comprise an elongated, sleeve-like bag, made from nylon or other suitable material, with a single expandable seam down the center. Approximately three straps with hook-and-loop fasteners can secure the seam closed. The top of the bag can have a drawstring closure and the side of the bag can have an umbrella holder in case of inclement weather and a shoulder strap for added convenience. The bag can be offered in assorted colors to accommodate user preferences, as well as various sizes to suit user needs. In use, people can open the seam and place the chair in the bag. They can then wrap the open sides of the bag around the chair. Finally, they can secure the straps in place over the seam and tighten the drawstring to close the bag.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a bag 100.

FIG. 1 shows bag 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, bag 100 is open. Bag 100 may include a top region 110, a bottom region 130, and an intermediate region 170. In some embodiments, top region 110 has a closure 112 and a bottom edge 114. The dotted lines represent the boundary between the bottom edge 114 and the intermediate region 170. In these or other embodiments, bottom region 130 has a bottom end 132, sides 134, and a top edge 136. The dotted lines represent the boundary between the top edge 136 and the intermediate region 170. Likewise, in various embodiments, intermediate region 170 has a first edge 172 and a second edge 174. Between these edges is an opening 176. Opening 176 begins at top edge 136 and extends toward and ends at closure 112. Intermediate region 170 connects top region 110 to bottom region 130.

Bag 100 is configurable into at least two configurations: an open configuration 212 and a closed configuration 214 (See FIG. 4). FIGS. 2 and 3 show bag 100 partially closed. In a partially closed configuration 213, first edge 172 and second edge 174 are adjacent in some regions along opening 176 and in some regions are spaced apart in some regions along opening 176. FIG. 1 illustrates open configuration 212 in which first edge 172 is spaced apart from second edge 174, closure 112 is open or loose, and top region 110 and intermediate region 170 are substantially flat. With intermediate region 170 and top region 110 open, first edge 172 can fold away from second edge 174 to flatten against the surface that bag 100 is laid upon. For purposes of this disclosure, “substantially flat” means that the regions are as flat as or flatter than those of ordinary skill in the art would expect when first edge 172 and second edge 174 part and fall to the horizontal surface that bag 100 sits on. In some versions, first edge 172 and second edge 174 open into a shape reminiscent of a butterfly. Open configuration 212 allows an elongated bulky object 60, such as a folding chair, to be placed onto open bag 100 without having to deal with the small top opening that is seen in prior art bags. In some embodiments, more than one bulky object 60 can be accommodated.

FIG. 2 shows a bag of the present invention that is partially open to receive a bulky object such as a folding chair 60. In this version, the bag 100 secures around folding chair 60. The bag 100 has strap 260 to secure bag 100 in the closed position. Strap 260 has a first end 262 sewn near first edge 172 to connect strap 260 to first edge 172 and strap 260 has a second end 264 with a fastener that removably connects to second edge 174. FIG. 3 shows removable connection 178, which is under the edge of strap 260. In some examples, the removable connection 178 comprises hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps. In these types of embodiments, bag 100 has one strap 260, two straps 260, three straps 260, or four straps 260.

In another example, strap 260 comprises two portions each with first end 262 and second end 264 in which first end 262 connects near first edge 172 and second end 264 remains free. There is a corresponding strap 260 in which first end 262 connects near second edge 174 and second end 264 remains free. In these types of embodiments, securing opening 176 occurs through the interaction of the free ends of these two straps 260. For example, the free ends could buckle together, tie to each other, connect with hook-and-loop fasteners, connect with snaps, etc. Straps 260 can comprise rope, string, buttons, etc., depending upon the particular embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts closed configuration 214 in which first edge 172 is adjacent second edge 174; closure 112 is closed or tight; and top region 110, intermediate region 170, and bottom region 130 together form sheath 210 (identified in FIG. 3). Sheath 210 is closed at bottom end 132, is closed at closure 112, and exhibits first edge 172 and second edge 174 abutting or overlapping to close or substantially close opening 176, in some embodiments. Sheath 210 is configured to contain bulky object 60. For purposes of this disclosure “configured to contain bulky object 60” means that the containing object wraps around the bulky object to protect the bulky object and sometimes to provide a convenient handle 270 to carry the bulky object with.

In various embodiments, bag 100 has various dimensions. For instance, bag 100 can be substantially cylindrical when in closed configuration 214. For purposes of this disclosure, “substantially cylindrical” means that the variation in average diameter of bottom region 130, intermediate region 170, and top region 110 is less than 20%. In some embodiments, top region 110 tapers inward from bottom edge 114 to closure 112. In some embodiments, the average diameter of intermediate region 170 is larger or substantially larger than the average diameter of bottom region 130. For purposes of this disclosure, “substantially larger” means that the variation between the average diameters of the compared components is greater than or equal to 20%. In some embodiments, the average diameter of intermediate region 170 is larger or substantially larger than the average diameter of bottom edge 114. Bag 100 can be 12-48 inches, 18-42 inches, or 24-41 inches long.

In some embodiments, bag 100 optionally comprises a longitudinally oriented pocket 230. Among other things, pocket 230 can be a parasol or umbrella pocket 232. In some embodiments, bag 100 optionally comprises a carrying or shoulder strap 280. Those of ordinary skill in the art can select a material or fabric with which to construct bag 100. The fabric can be natural or synthetic and can be water resistant, water repellent, or waterproof. Closure 112 can be a drawstring 220.

In some versions, first edge 172 and second edge 174 are held or secured in the abutting or overlapping arrangement by straps 260 connected to first edge 172 and removably connected to second edge 174 creating removable connection 178. In some versions, straps 260 are connected to first edge 172, second edge 174, and join together across opening 176. For purposes of this disclosure, “removably connected” means that the connection is secure enough to keep opening 176 closed when bag 100 is in closed configuration 214, but the connection is removable enough to allow bag 100 to be reconfigured into open configuration 212.

Some versions, such as the version shown in FIG. 4, use a zipper 250 to maintain bag 100 in closed configuration 214. In some of these versions, first edge 172 and second edge 174 connect to a first side 252 of zipper 250 and a second side 254 of zipper 250, respectively. Zipper 250 can range from 24-40 inches long. In place of zipper 250, some versions use corresponding strips of hook-and-loop fastener connected to first edge 172 and second edge 174, respectively. Sometimes the hook-and-loop fastener runs along greater than 50% of the length of opening 176 and sometimes the hook-and-loop fastener is placed at multiple, discrete locations along first edge 172 and second edge 174.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a carrying method 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the carrying method 500 may include the steps of a providing 501 bag 100, manipulating 502 bag 100 into open configuration 212, placing 503 bulky object 60 or folding chair 62 onto bag 100, closing 504 bag 100 into closed configuration 214, manipulating 505 straps 260 into position to maintain closed configuration 214, and lifting 506 bag 100 using carrying strap 280.

It should be noted that steps 501-506 are optional and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of the method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 to distinguish them from the other steps of the method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for,” in the claims and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for the bag 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught.

The embodiments of the invention described are exemplary, and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A bag comprising: a top region having a closure and a bottom edge, a bottom region having a bottom end, sides, and a top edge; and an intermediate region connecting the bottom region and the top region wherein the intermediate region comprises a first edge and a second edge defining an opening that begins at the top edge and extends toward the closure, wherein in an open configuration the first edge is spaced apart from the second edge, the closure is open or loose, and the top region and intermediate region are substantially flat, and in a closed configuration the first edge is adjacent to the second edge, the closure is closed or tight, and the top region, the intermediate region, and the bottom region form a sheath that is closed at the bottom end, closed at the closure, and configured to contain a bulky object.
 2. The bag of claim 1 wherein in the closed configuration, the intermediate region is cylindrical.
 3. The bag of claim 2 wherein in the closed configuration, the top region tapers inward from the bottom edge to the closure.
 4. The bag of claim 3 wherein the closure is a drawstring.
 5. The bag of claim 4 wherein in the closed configuration, an average diameter of the intermediate region is larger than an average diameter of the bottom region.
 6. The bag of claim 5 wherein in the closed configuration the average diameter of the intermediate region is larger than a diameter of the bottom edge.
 7. The bag of claim 4 wherein the bag is 12-48, 18-42, or 24-41 inches long.
 8. The bag of claim 7 wherein the first edge connects to a first side of a zipper and the second edge connects to a second side of the zipper.
 9. The bag of claim 8 wherein in the closed configuration, the zipper is closed.
 10. The bag of claim 9 wherein the zipper extends 18-40 or 20-30 inches down from the closure.
 11. The bag of claim 7 wherein in the closed configuration, straps bridge across the opening.
 12. The bag of claim 1 wherein the bottom region has a pouch-like shape.
 13. The bag of claim 12 wherein the bulky object is a folding chair.
 14. The bag of claim 13 further comprising a longitudinally oriented pocket.
 15. The bag of claim 14 wherein the pocket is an umbrella or parasol pocket.
 16. A bag comprising: a top region having a drawstring closure and a bottom edge, a bottom region having a bottom end, sides, and a top edge forming a pouch-like shape; a cylindrical intermediate region connecting the bottom region and the top region wherein the intermediate region comprises a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge defining an opening that begins at the top edge and extends toward the closure, the first edge connects to a first side of a zipper, the second edge connects to a second side of the zipper, and the zipper extends 20-30 inches down from the closure; and a longitudinally oriented umbrella or parasol pouch, wherein in an open configuration the first edge is spaced apart from the second edge, the closure is open or loose, and the top region and intermediate region are substantially flat, and in a closed configuration the first edge is zipped to the second edge; the closure is closed or tight; the top region, the intermediate region, and the bottom region form a sheath that is closed at the bottom end, closed at the closure, and configured to contain a bulky object; the top region tapers inward from the bottom edge to the closure; and the bag is 24-41 inches long.
 17. A bag comprising: a top region having a drawstring closure and a bottom edge, a bottom region having a bottom end, sides, and a top edge forming a pouch-like shape; a cylindrical intermediate region connecting the bottom region and the top region wherein the intermediate region comprises a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge defining an opening that begins at the top edge and extends toward the closure; at least one strap removably mounted across the opening; and a longitudinally oriented umbrella or parasol pouch, wherein in an open configuration the first edge is spaced apart from the second edge, the closure is open or loose, and the top region and intermediate region are substantially flat, in a closed configuration the first edge is adjacent the second edge; the closure is closed or tight; the top region, the intermediate region, and the bottom region form a sheath that is closed at the bottom end, closed at the closure, and configured to contain a bulky object; the top region tapers inward from the bottom edge to the closure; and the bag is 24-41 inches long.
 18. A method comprising: providing the bag of claim 1; manipulating the bag into an open configuration; placing a bulky object onto the bag; closing the bag around the bulky object into the closed configuration; and lifting the bag using a carrying strap.
 19. A method comprising: providing the bag of claim 16; unzipping the bag into an open configuration; placing a bulky object onto the bag; closing the bag around the bulky object into the closed configuration; zipping the bag to maintain the closed configuration; and lifting the bag using a carrying strap.
 20. A method comprising: providing the bag of claim 17; manipulating the bag into an open configuration; placing a bulky object onto the bag; closing the bag around the bulky object into the closed configuration; manipulating the straps into position to maintain the closed configuration; and lifting the bag using a carrying strap. 